MEDIA Mundus: Commission's €5 million boost for international film projects
14.03.2012 Some 35 film-related projects are to receive a total of €5 million in funding from the MEDIA Mundus programme – the European Union's international cooperation and exchange programme for the audiovisual industry. The projects will help to strengthen the distribution of European films in non-European markets and vice-versa.
"Everyone loves to see good films in the cinema and on TV. MEDIA Mundus – the global version of our successful MEDIA programme – encourages international co-productions, boosts worldwide distribution and makes the audiovisual industry more competitive. The idea is to give audiences more choice and the chance to see films made all over the world," said Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.
Among the 35 projects selected for co-funding are:
- "IPEDA MUNDUS"
This project facilitates the release of European films on prominent internet video platforms in the US and Canada. It also helps North American film-makers to access European counterparts.
- "EYE ON FILMS"
This is a global network of distributors and festivals which distribute debut feature films in more than 20 countries.
- "DOCSTORIES"
A training workshop which aims to develop creative documentary projects and innovative non-fiction programmes in the Black Sea region (Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Armenia). “Docstories” will also create a network to encourage the circulation of documentaries and exchange of best practices.
Background
The film landscape has changed significantly over the past two decades, due to the impact of technological developments such as multi-channel digital television, digital cinema and video-on-demand.
The MEDIA Mundus programme has a budget of €15 million over 3 years (2011-13) and funds projects encouraging mobility and exchanges between European film-makers and their counterparts around the world.
The Commission's proposed Creative Europe programme, due to start in 2014, envisages allocating more than €900 million for MEDIA and MEDIA Mundus activities. The final budget will be decided by the European Parliament and Member States
To find out more:
European Commission's website about the MEDIA Mundus programme
European Commission's website about the MEDIA programme
Twitter: @VassiliouEU
